Noodlepedia
A glossary of both familiar and lesser-known Asian ingredients and terms.
Plum Wine
A sweet, fruity Japanese liqueur made by steeping ume plums in sugar and alcohol. Smooth, rich, and delightfully tangy.
Pro Tip: Add a splash of soda water and a squeeze of lime for an easy, refreshing cocktail.
How to Use It:
- Sip chilled or over ice
- Mix into cocktails or spritzers
- Drizzle over fruit or desserts
1. Plum Wine Glazed Chicken Thighs
Vibe: Sticky, sweet, and savory with a rich umami finish and a kiss of fruitiness. Think teriyaki but way more elegant.
🛒 Ingredients:
1 lb boneless chicken thighs
1/4 cup plum wine
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp grated ginger
Optional: sesame oil, scallions, sesame seeds
👩🍳 Instructions:
Mix plum wine, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.
Sear chicken thighs in a hot pan until golden, then pour sauce over.
Lower heat and simmer 10–15 mins, flipping occasionally, until sauce thickens and glazes the chicken.
Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds. Serve over rice.
🍶 Why it works: Plum wine’s natural sweetness creates a glossy, caramelized glaze while adding layers of flavor you can’t get from just sugar or mirin.
2. Plum Wine Poached Fruit with Vanilla Yogurt
Vibe: Fancy-feeling dessert that takes minimal effort. Great for a date night or brunch—bonus points for serving it chilled in a coupe glass ✨
🛒 Ingredients:
1 cup plum wine
2 tbsp sugar or honey
1 cinnamon stick or star anise (optional)
2 ripe pears, plums, or peaches—peeled and sliced
Vanilla yogurt or ice cream for serving
Optional: mint, toasted nuts
👩🍳 Instructions:
In a small saucepan, bring plum wine, sugar, and spices to a gentle simmer.
Add sliced fruit and poach for 10–15 mins until tender and infused.
Let cool slightly or chill.
Serve over vanilla yogurt or ice cream, drizzle with the reduced syrup.
🍑 Why it slaps: The plum wine infuses fruit with a grown-up twist—light, fragrant, and just boozy enough to make it feel indulgent.